Best Visa-Compliant Expat Insurance

Top Picks for Visa Compliance

These insurers are most reliable for visa documentation:

Common Visa Insurance Requirements

Different visas have different insurance requirements:

Typical Requirements

• Minimum coverage amount: €30,000-50,000 common
• Emergency medical: Almost always required
• Repatriation: Often required (return to home country)
• Coverage duration: Must cover visa validity period
• No copay: Some countries (Spain) require zero copay
• Certificate/letter: Proof document for application

Schengen Requirements

For short-stay Schengen visas:

• Minimum €30,000 coverage
• Valid in all Schengen countries
• Covers emergency medical and repatriation
• No excess/deductible requirement in some cases
• Insurance certificate required with application

Long-Term Visa Requirements

For residency and long-term visas:

• Requirements vary significantly by country
• Often need comprehensive health coverage
• May need to be from approved insurers
• Letter confirming coverage usually required
• Some countries specify local insurance only

Visa Compliance Comparison

Detailed Reviews

Cigna Global — Best for Visa Documentation

Cigna Global has extensive experience providing documentation for visa applications worldwide.

Why it works for visas:

• Experienced with visa letters for many countries
• Quick turnaround on documentation requests
• Coverage exceeds most minimums
• Recognized by immigration authorities
• Can customize letters to specific requirements
• Repatriation included

Considerations: Premium pricing. May be more than you need for basic visa compliance. Best if you also want comprehensive coverage.

Read our full Cigna Global review

Allianz Care — Best for European Visas

Allianz Care is well-known to European immigration authorities and handles EU visa requirements well.

Why it works for visas:

• Strong European recognition
• Familiar to Schengen authorities
• Meets all EU requirements
• Good documentation support
• Multiple plan levels
• Repatriation included

Considerations: Network weaker outside Europe. Best for Europe-focused visas. May need higher tier for some requirements.

Read our full Allianz Care review

IMG Global — Best Value Option

IMG Global meets visa requirements at lower price points.

Why it works for visas:

• Lower premiums than Cigna/Bupa
• Meets minimum coverage requirements
• Provides visa documentation
• Repatriation included
• Multiple coverage levels

Considerations: Less recognized than major insurers. Some countries may question. Service less polished. Good value for straightforward requirements.

Read our full IMG Global review

Requirements by Country

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

• €30,000 minimum coverage
• No copay requirement (some interpret this strictly)
• Can be public or private insurer
• Must cover full visa period
• Repatriation coverage required

Portugal D7 Visa

• No specific minimum amount
• Must show valid health coverage
• International insurance accepted
• Some applicants use Portuguese NHS access
• Relatively flexible requirements

Germany Residence Permit

• Must meet statutory health insurance standards
• Stricter requirements for some visa types
• May require German-approved insurance
• Comprehensive coverage mandatory
• Check specific visa category

Thailand Long-Term Resident

• $50,000 minimum coverage
• Inpatient coverage required
• International insurance accepted
• Some visas require Thai insurance
• Check specific visa category

Getting Documentation

What You'll Need

Typical visa documentation includes:

• Insurance certificate: Confirms you have coverage
• Coverage details: Shows what's covered and limits
• Validity period: Must cover visa duration
• Coverage area: Must include destination country
• Repatriation confirmation: If required

How to Request Documentation

1. Contact your insurer's customer service
2. Specify what documentation you need
3. Mention specific visa requirements
4. Request in the language needed (if applicable)
5. Allow 2-5 business days for processing

Common Issues

• Certificate not detailed enough: Request specific letter format
• Wrong language: Ask for translation or certified version
• Missing information: Specify exactly what authorities require
• Deductible mentioned: Some visas require no-copay proof

Frequently Asked Questions

Will SafetyWing work for visa applications?

Sometimes. SafetyWing meets some visa requirements but may not meet all. Issues include: may not reach minimum coverage amounts, certificate format may not be accepted, some countries specifically require full health insurance (not travel medical). Verify with your specific visa requirements.

What if my insurance doesn't meet requirements?

You may need to: upgrade to a higher plan, switch to a different insurer, or purchase supplemental coverage for the visa application. Some people buy compliant insurance for the visa, then switch later.

Do I need local insurance or is international okay?

Most countries accept international insurance. Some (like UAE, parts of Germany) require locally-approved insurers. Always verify with the specific consulate or immigration authority for your visa type.

What's the "no copay" requirement some countries have?

Countries like Spain require insurance with no out-of-pocket costs at time of service. This means no deductible or copay. Some plans meet this; others don't. Verify your plan has €0 copay/excess for the covered services.

How long does it take to get visa documentation?

Typically 2-5 business days from major insurers. Allow extra time during busy periods. Request documentation well before your visa application deadline. Some insurers offer expedited processing.

What if the embassy rejects my insurance?

Contact your insurer—they may be able to provide additional documentation or a letter addressing specific concerns. If the insurer isn't accepted, you may need to purchase coverage from an approved provider for the visa application.